Cable positioning assembly and pulling system

ABSTRACT

A cable pulling system and associated method are shown. Examples include positioning joints that allows a pulling boom to move up or down and side to side, while maintaining alignment of a pulling cable between pulleys. Example methods include positioning a pulling boom within a conduit box and pulling an electrical cable through a conduit into the conduit box.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/006,334,entitled “CABLE POSITIONING ASSEMBLY AND PULLING METHOD,” filed on Apr.7, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to pulling cables.Selected specific examples relate to pulling cables through conduit intoelectrical boxes or other enclosures.

BACKGROUND

During construction or maintenance, electrical cables must generally beinstalled into conduit in order to comply with building codes or otherstandards. The installation of cables into electrical or conduit boxesis often accomplished by pulling cables through the conduit. Asignificant amount of force is required due to the weight of the cables,the resistance against the conduit, and the distance to be pulled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a cable positioning assembly andpulling system in accordance with at least one example of the presentapplication.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a lateral positioning joint ofthe cable positioning assembly and pulling system, in accordance with atleast one example of the present application.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a pulling boom of the cablepositioning assembly and pulling system, in accordance with at least oneexample of the present application.

FIG. 4A illustrates an isometric view of the cable positioning assemblyand pulling system in accordance with at least one example of thepresent application.

FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of the cable positioning assemblyand pulling system in accordance with at least one example of thepresent application.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the cablepositioning assembly and pulling system in operation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for using the cable positioning assembly andpulling system in accordance with at least one example of the presentapplication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustratespecific examples to enable those skilled in the art to practice them.Other examples may incorporate structural, process, or other changes.Portions and features of some examples may be included in, orsubstituted for, those of other examples. Examples set forth in theclaims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

A variety of devices and techniques are described in the presentdisclosure for pulling cables through conduit. Each device or techniquecan generally involve positioning a power winch, aligning a pullingcable between the power winch and a conduit, including positioning thepulling cable on various guide pulleys that can be mounted to pullingdevices. Precise positioning of the pulling cable is desired in order toallow the winch and pulling devices to pull the cable freely through theconduit with minimal resistance. Additional difficulties arise whencables must be pulled into a conduit terminating inside an electricalbox or another type of enclosure.

The devices and methods of the present disclosure are intended toaddress current disadvantages of the devices and techniques used inpulling cables through conduit, by providing a cable positioningassembly and pulling system capable of being assembled and positioned ina reduced amount of time. The cable positioning assembly and pullingsystem disclosed is also capable of pulling cable directly into aconduit terminating inside an electrical box or another type ofenclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a cable positioning assembly andpulling system 100 in accordance with at least one example of thepresent application. The cable positioning assembly and pulling system100 can include a winch mount 102, a winch fitting 104, and a boom mount106. The winch mount 102 can include a first pulley 110. The boom mount106 can include a second pulley 112. The winch mount 102 and the boommount 106 can be pivotably coupled to form a lateral positioning joint108. The lateral positioning joint 108 can allow for lateral movementbetween the winch mount 102 and the boom mount 106. The winch mount 102can include the winch fitting 104. The winch fitting 104 can beconfigured to couple the winch mount 102 to a power winch.

The cable positioning assembly and pulling system 100 can include apulling boom 114 including a first end 116 and a second end 118. Thefirst end 116 of the pulling boom 114 and the boom mount 106 can bepivotably coupled to form a vertical positioning joint 109. The verticalpositioning joint 109 can allow for vertical movement of the winch mount102 and the boom mount 106 with respect to the pulling boom 114. Thepulling boom 114 can include a first boom plate 120 and a second boomplate 122. A length of the pulling boom 114 can define a central axisA1.

The pulling boom 114 can include a pair of supporting legs 124. Thepulling boom 114 can be supported with the supporting legs 124. Thesupporting legs 124 can be height adjustable. The supporting legs 124can each include a leg base 126. The leg bases 126 can improve thestability of the pulling boom 114 during a pulling operation. Thepulling boom can include one or more handles 128. The cable positioningassembly and pulling system 100 can be lifted, carried, or otherwisepositioned with the handles 128.

In the operation of some examples, the cable positioning assembly andpulling system 100 can be used to position a pulling cable coupled to apower winch in preparation for a pulling operation. The lateralpositioning joint 108 can allow the first pulley 110 and second pulley112 to be laterally adjusted with respect to each other to aid inaligning and positioning the pulling cable and pulling boom 114. Thevertical positioning joint 109 can allow the pulling boom to bevertically adjusted to aid in aligning and positioning the pulling cableand the pulling boom 114.

The second end 118 of the pulling boom 114 can be positioned within anelectrical box or an enclosure. The pulling cable can be run from thepower winch to the second end of the pulling boom 114. The pulling cablecan be run into a proximal end of a conduit positioned inside theelectrical box, and then through to a distal end of the conduit.Electrical cables can be coupled to the pulling cable at the distal endof the conduit, and the power winch subsequently operated to pull thepulling cable and any attached electrical cables into the electricalbox.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a lateral positioning joint 108of the cable positioning assembly and pulling system 100, in accordancewith at least one example of the present application. The lateralpositioning joint 108 can include the winch mount 102, the winch fitting104, the boom mount 106, the first pulley 110 and the second pulley 112.The winch mount 102 can further include a first winch mount plate 132and a second winch mount plate 134. One or more plate couplers 135 cancouple the first winch mount plate 132 to the second winch mount plate134.

The winch mount 102 can include a winch mount first end 136 and a winchmount second end 138. The winch mount first end 136 can include a firstwinch mount knuckle 140. The first winch mount knuckle 140 can becoupled to the winch mount 102 between the first winch mount plate 132and the second winch mount plate 134. The first winch mount knuckle 140can also be coupled to a plate coupler 135. The winch mount second end138 can include a second winch mount knuckle 142. The second winch mountknuckle 142 can be coupled to the winch mount 102 between the firstwinch mount plate 132 and the second winch mount plate 134. The firstwinch mount knuckle 140 can also be coupled to a plate coupler 135.

The boom mount 106 can include a first boom mount plate 144 and a secondboom mount plate 146. One or more of the plate couplers 135 can couplethe first boom mount plate 144 to the second boom mount plate 146. Theboom mount 106 can include a boom mount first end 148 and a boom mountsecond end 150. The boom mount first end 148 can include a first boommount knuckle 152. The first boom mount knuckle 152 can be coupled tothe boom mount 106 between the first boom mount plate 144 and the secondboom mount plate 146. The first boom mount knuckle 152 can be alsocoupled to a plate coupler 135. The boom mount second end 150 caninclude a second boom mount knuckle 154. The second boom mount knuckle154 can be coupled to the boom mount 106 between the first boom mountplate 144 and the second boom mount plate 146. The second boom mountknuckle can be also coupled to a plate coupler 135.

The first winch mount knuckle 140, the second winch mount knuckle 142,the first boom mount knuckle 152, and the second boom mount knuckle 154can generally form closed-loop shapes. The first winch mount knuckle 140can be configured to engage with the first boom mount knuckle 152. Afirst hinge pin 156 can be inserted through the first winch mountknuckle 140 and the first boom mount knuckle 152 to form a first hinge158. The second winch mount knuckle 142 can be configured to engage withthe second boom mount knuckle 154. A second hinge pin 160 can beinserted through the second winch mount knuckle 142 and the second boommount knuckle 154 to form a second hinge 162. The first hinge pin 156and the second hinge pin 160 can be secured using various types offasteners. For example, the first hinge pin 156 and the second hinge pin160 can each include a bore at one end for a retaining pin to beinserted into, or a threaded end to engage with a threaded nut.

The first hinge 158 and the second hinge 162 can pivotably couple thewinch mount 102 to the boom mount 106. The first hinge 158 and thesecond hinge 162 can rotate around a vertical axis generally defined bythe first hinge pin 156 and the second hinge pin 160, respectively. Thewinch mount 102, the boom mount 106, the first hinge 158, and the secondhinge 162 can form the lateral positioning joint 108. The lateralpositioning joint 108 can have a 180-degree range of rotational motion.The lateral positioning joint 108 can also have a range of rotationalmotion between 90 and 160 degrees, 80 and 150 degrees, and 100 and 170degrees.

The lateral positioning joint 108, including the winch mount 102, theboom mount 106, the first hinge 158, and the second hinge 162, can berobustly constructed to resist operational forces. The winch mount 102and the boom mount 106 can each include one or more plate couplers 135coupling the first winch mount plate 132 to the second winch mount plate134, and the first boom mount plate 144 to the second boom mount plate146, respectively. The plate couplers 135 can act as bracing elementspositioned between the first winch mount plate 132 and the second winchmount plate 134, and between the first boom mount plate 144 and thesecond boom mount plate 146, ensuring the winch mount 102 and the boommount 106 are sufficiently strong and rigid. Additionally, the firsthinge 158 and the second hinge 162, which can couple the winch mount 102to the boom mount 106, can be precisely and robustly constructed toensure that the lateral positioning joint 108 can resist bending,compression, tension, torsion, and shear forces during a pullingoperation.

The first pulley 110 can be coupled to the winch mount 102 with a firstpulley axle 164. The second pulley 112 can be coupled to the boom mount106 with a second pulley axle 166. The first pulley 110 and the secondpulley 112 can rotate around a lateral axis generally defined by thefirst pulley axle 164 and the second pulley axle 166, respectively. Thefirst pulley 110 and the second 112 pulleys can be configured to have adiameter sufficient to enable the pulleys to accommodate and pull largepower cables or other types of cables, such as fiber optic cables. Thefirst pulley axle 164 and the second pulley axle 166 can be bolts thatpass laterally through the first boom plate 120 and the second boomplate 122. The first pulley axle 164 and the second pulley axle 166 canbe secured using various types of fasteners. For example, the firstpulley axle 164 and the second pulley axle 166 can include a bore at oneend for a retaining pin to be inserted into, or a threaded end to engagewith a threaded nut.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the pulling boom 114 of thecable positioning assembly and pulling system 100, in accordance with atleast one example of the present application. The pulling boom caninclude the supporting legs 124. The supporting legs can each includeone or more leg apertures 168. The supporting legs 124 can be coupled tothe pulling boom 114 between the first end 116 and the second end 118.The pulling boom 114 can include leg mounts 170. The leg mounts 170 canpivotably couple the supporting legs 124 to the pulling boom 114. Theleg mounts 170 can include each include one or more mount apertures 172.The leg apertures 168 can engage with the mount apertures 172 to allowthe supporting legs 124 to be height adjustable.

The leg mounts 170 can be configured to allow the supporting legs 124 topivot around a lateral axis generally defined by the leg mounts 170, inorder to pivot the supporting legs 124 between a transport orientationto an active orientation. In the transport orientation, the supportinglegs 124 can extend generally parallel to the central axis A1. This canprovide the benefit of transporting the pulling boom 114 more easily. Inthe active orientation, the supporting legs 124 can extend generallyperpendicular to the central axis A1, in order to support and positionthe pulling boom 114 during a pulling operation.

The pulling boom 114 can include the handles 128. The handles 128 can bepositioned between the first end 116 and the second end 118 of thepulling boom 114. One or more of the handles 128 can be positioned onone, or both, of the first boom plate 120 and the second boom plate 122.The handles 128 can generally comprise plates with gripping slots formedtherein. The handles 128 can be coupled to the pulling boom in a fixedposition with a variety of types of fasteners. For example, the handles128 can be coupled to the pulling boom 114 with screws, bolts, orrivets. The handles 128 can also be welded to the pulling boom 114.

The handles 128 can also have a generally curved shape that can form aguard surface 174. The guard surface 174 of each handle 128 can extendsubstantially over and across a space generally defined between thefirst boom plate 120 and the second boom plate 122. The guard surface174 of each handle 128 can prevent a pulling cable from moving away fromthe pulling boom 114 in the event of a pulling cable failure. Thehandles 128 can comprises a single piece of material, such as platesteel, that can provide both the benefits of convenient gripping pointsfor handling the boom, as well as protection for the user against cablerecoil.

The pulling boom 114 can include a third pulley 130. The third pulley130 can be positioned at the second end 118 of the pulling boom 114. Thepulling boom 114 can also include a fourth pulley 176, a fifth pulley178, and a sixth pulley 180. The third pulley 130, fourth pulley 176,fifth pulley 178, and sixth pulley 180 can each be configured to guide apulling cable. The third 182, the fourth 184, the fifth 186, and thesixth 188 pulley axles can respectively couple the third pulley 130, thefourth pulley 176, the fifth pulley 178, and the sixth pulley 180 to thepulling boom 114. The third pulley 130, the fourth pulley 176, the fifthpulley 178, and the sixth pulley 180 can each rotate around a lateralaxis generally defined by a third 182, a fourth 184, a fifth 186, and asixth 188 pulley axle, respectively.

The third pulley 130, the fourth pulley 176, the fifth pulley 178, andthe sixth pulley 180 can be arranged at the second end 118 of thepulling boom 114, or otherwise arranged between the first end 116 andthe second end 118 of the pulling boom. The third pulley 130, the fourthpulley 176, the fifth pulley 178, and the sixth pulley 180 can beconfigured to be coupled to the pulling boom 114 generally along acurvature of the second end 118 of the pulling boom 114. The thirdpulley 130, the fourth pulley 176, the fifth pulley 178, and the sixthpulley 180 can each be configured to have a diameter sufficient toenable the pulleys to accommodate and pull large power cables or othercables types, such as fiber optic cables. The third pulley 130, thefourth pulley 176, the fifth pulley 178, and the sixth pulley 180 can beconfigured to form a progressive curve having an overall radiussufficient to guide a pulling cable between the first boom plate 120 andthe second boom plate 122 of the pulling boom 114.

The third 182, the fourth 184, the fifth 186, and the sixth 188 pulleyaxles can be bolts that pass laterally through the first boom plate 120and the boom plate second 122. The third 182, the fourth 184, the fifth186, and the sixth 188 pulley axles can be secured using various typesof fasteners. For example, the third 182, the fourth 184, the fifth 186,and the sixth 188 pulley axles can each include a bore at one end for aretaining pin to be inserted into, or a threaded end to engage with athreaded nut.

The pulling boom 114 can include a first latch 190 and a second latch192. The first latch 190 and the second latch 192 can each include alatch first end 194 and a latch second end 196. The latch first ends 194of each of the first latch 190 and the second latch 192 can includelatch recesses 198. The latch recesses 198 can be generally curvedrecesses formed in the first latch 190 and the second latch 192. Thelatch recesses 198 can be configured to engage the second pulley axle166. The pulling boom 114 can include two boom recesses 200. One boomrecess 200 can be formed in each of the first boom plate 120 and thesecond boom plate 122, at the first end 116 of the pulling boom 114. Theboom recesses 200 can be configured to engage the second pulley axle166.

The second latch ends 196 of each of the first latch 190 and the secondlatch 192 can be coupled to the pulling boom 114 with a latch fastener202. The latch fastener 202 can be various types of fasteners, such as athreaded bolt configured to engage with the first boom plate 120, thesecond boom plate 122, or a threaded nut. The latch fastener 202 canallow the first latch 190 and the second latch 192 to pivot around alateral axis generally defined by the latch fastener 202. An oblong slot203 can also be formed in the second latch end 196 of either the firstlatch 190 or the second latch 192.

The first latch 190 and the second latch 192 can be configured to engageand disengage the second pulley axle 166 by pivoting. The first latch190 or the second latch 192 can be coupled to a latch spring 204. Afirst end of the latch spring 204 can be coupled to a latch second end196 of either the first latch 190 or the second latch 192. A second endof the latch spring 204 can be coupled to the first boom plate 120 orthe second boom plate 122 of the pulling boom 114. The latch spring 204can be configured to bias the first latch 190 or the second latch 192toward the second pulley axle 166.

The winch mount 102, the winch fitting 104, the boom mount 106, thefirst pulley 110, the second pulley 112, the pulling boom 114, the firstboom plate 120, the second boom plate 122, the supporting legs 124, theleg bases 126, the handles 128, the third pulley 130, the first hingepin 156, the second hinge pin 160, the leg mounts 170, the fourth pulley176, the fifth pulley 178, the sixth pulley 180, the third pulley axle182, the fourth pulley axle 184, the fifth pulley axle 186, the sixthpulley axle 188, the first latch 190, the second latch 192, the latchfastener 202, and the latch springs 204 can each be made from steel,although the invention is not so limited. Other metals such as aluminum,or other metal alloys are also within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate isometric views of the cable positioningassembly and pulling system 100 in accordance with at least two examplesof the present application. The first latch 190 and the second latch 192can each have a closed orientation and an open orientation. The firstlatch 190 and the second latch 192 can pivot between the closedorientation and the open configuration by rotating around a lateral axisgenerally defined by the latch fastener 202. When in the closedorientation, the first latch 190 and the second latch 192 can couple thefirst end 116 of the pulling boom 114 to the second pulley axle 166 asshown in FIG. 4A. When in the open orientation, the first latch 190 andthe second latch 192 can allow the first end 116 of the pulling boom 114to be de-coupled from the second pulley axle 166, as shown in FIG. 4B.

The cable positioning assembly and pulling system 100 can furtherinclude a latch retaining feature 206, and a latch retainer 208. Thelatch first ends 194 of either the first latch 190 or the second latch192 can include the latch retaining feature 206. The latch retainingfeature 206 can be a generally hook shaped projection formed on eitherthe first latch 190 or the second latch 192. The latch retaining feature206 can be configured to engage the latch retainer 208. The latchretainer 208 can be a bolt head, a dowel, or a protrusion extendinglaterally from first boom plate 120 or the second boom plate 122, of thepulling boom 114. The oblong slot 203 formed in the first latch 190 orthe second latch 192 latches can allow the latch retaining feature 206to engage the latch retainer 208. The oblong slot 203 formed in eitherof the first latch 190 or the second latch 192 can allow the first latch190 or the second 192 latch to translate with respect to the latchfastener 202. When the first latch 190 or the second latch 192translates, the latch retaining feature 206 can engage the latchretainer 208 to lock and secure the first latch 190, or the second latch192, in the open orientation.

The latch retaining feature 206 can engage the latch retainer 208 andprevent either the first latch 190 or the second latch 192 fromautomatically returning to the closed orientation through gravity orfrom spring pressure from the latch spring 204. Advantageously, this canallow for a single person to de-couple the boom mount 106 from thepulling boom 114 after a pulling operation, as two persons would beotherwise be required to lift both the first latch 190 and the secondlatch 192, while simultaneously moving the boom mount 106 and secondpulley axle 166 away from pulling boom 114.

In the operation of some examples, the boom mount 106 and the secondpulley axle 166 can be inserted into the pulling boom 114, in adirection generally along the central axis A1. The latch first ends 194of the first latch 190 and the second latch 192 can be shaped andconfigured to ride up and over a top surface of the second pulley axle166, upon contact with the second pulley axle 166. The first latch 190and the second latch 192 can be configured to close automatically underspring force generated by the latch spring 204 once the first latch 190and the second latch 192 ride up and over a top surface of the secondpulley axle 166.

In one example having one latch 190 that is always biased to a latchingposition provides enhanced safety while at the same time providingconvenience for a single user. If an operator forgets to actuate thelatch 190, it will fail safe (i.e. will stay latched if leftunattended). In examples described, by allowing only one latch 192 to beheld open while the first latch 190 is fail safe, provides a level ofsafety while also providing a convenience for a single user.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the cablepositioning assembly and pulling system 100 in operation. The exampleillustrated in FIG. 5 is not necessarily drawn to scale. The second end118 of the pulling boom 114 can be positioned within an electrical box210. A pulling cable 212 can be run from a power winch 214 through thewinch fitting 104, the first pulley 110, the second pulley 112, and thenalong a length of the pulling boom 114 between the first boom plate 120and the second boom plate 122, and then through the third pulley 130 atthe second end 118 of the pulling boom 114. The pulling cable 212 canthen be run into a proximal end 216 of a conduit 218 terminating insidethe electrical box 210. The pulling cable 212 can then be run to adistal end 220 of the conduit 218, which can be located below a groundlevel 222. Electrical cables can then be coupled to the pulling cable,and the winch subsequently operated to pull the pulling cable 212, andany attached electrical cables, back through the conduit 212 into theelectrical box 210.

The lateral positioning joint 108 can allow the pulling boom 114 to bemoved laterally when attached to the power winch 214. The lateralpositioning joint 108 can be compact, as a result of the proximity ofthe first pulley 110 with respect to the second pulley 112. The lateralpositioning joint 108 can provide the benefit of easily rotating thepulling boom 114 side to side while maintaining the alignment of thepulling cable 212 between the first pulley 110 and the second pulley112. Examples shown further include a first hinge and a second hinge,for example first hinge 158 and second hinge 162. By positioning thefirst pulley 110 and the second pulley 112 between the first hinge 158and the second hinge 162, any bending moments that might be createdduring a cable pulling operation are countered both above and below thefirst pulley 110 and the second pulley 112. This configuration providesa robust joint that resists unwanted bending between the first pulley110 and the first pulley 112, yet still allows lateral movement of thelateral positioning joint 108, all within a compact volume along theboom.

The vertical positioning joint 109 can allow the pulling boom 114 to beraised or lowered when attached to the power winch 214. The verticalpositioning joint 109 can provide the benefit of easily rotating thepulling boom 114 up or down, while maintaining alignment of the pullingcable 212 between the first pulley 110, the second pulley 112, the thirdpulley 130, the fourth pulley 176, the fifth pulley 178, and the sixthpulley 180.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 300 for using the cable positioning assemblyand pulling system, in accordance with at least one example of thepresent application. The steps or operations of the method 300 areillustrated in a particular order for convenience and clarity; many ofthe discussed operations can be performed in a different sequence or inparallel without materially impacting other operations. The method 300as discussed includes operations that can be performed by multipledifferent actors, devices, and/or systems. It is understood that subsetsof the operations discussed in the method 300 can be attributable to asingle actor, device, or system could be considered a separatestandalone process or method.

In one or more examples, a first step 302 can be positioning a pullingboom within a conduit box, the pulling boom having a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end is coupled to a winch and the secondend is positioned over a conduit within the conduit box. In one or moreexamples, a second step 304 can be running the pulling cable from thewinch to a proximal end of the conduit. In one or more examples, a thirdstep 306 can be running the pulling cable through the conduit to adistal end of the conduit. In one or more examples, a fourth step 308can be coupling an electrical cable to the pulling cable at the distalend of the conduit. In one or more examples, a fifth step 310 can beoperating the winch to bring the pulling cable and the attachedelectrical cable through the conduit into the conduit box.

In one or more examples, the first step 302 can include positioning thepulling boom further includes positioning a lateral positioning joint,the lateral positioning joint coupling the winch to the pulling boom. Inone or more examples, the first step 302 can include positioning thepulling boom further includes positioning a vertical joint, the verticaljoint coupling the lateral positioning joint to the pulling boom. In oneor more examples, the first step 302 can include positioning adjustablesupporting legs coupled to the pulling boom to support the pulling boomover the proximal end of the conduit.

NOTES AND EXAMPLES

The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of thepresent subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefitsdiscussed herein, among others.

Example 1 is a cable positioning assembly, comprising: a winch mounthaving a first end and a second end; a first pulley coupled to the winchmount, the first pulley rotatable about a first lateral axis; a boommount having a first end and a second end; a second pulley coupled tothe boom mount, the second pulley rotatable about a second lateral axis;a first hinge pivotably coupling the first end of the winch mount to thefirst end of the boom mount; a second hinge pivotably coupling thesecond end of the of the winch mount to the second end of the boommount; wherein the first and second hinges form a lateral positioningjoint, the lateral positioning joint rotatable about a first verticalaxis; and wherein the first and second pulleys are positioned betweenthe first hinge and the second hinge.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includeswherein the winch mount further includes a fitting configured to engagewith a winch and couple the cable positioning assembly to the winch.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2optionally include a vertical joint coupling the boom mount to a pullingboom, the pulling boom having a first end and a second end, wherein thevertical joint is rotatable about a third lateral axis.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 optionally includeswherein the pulling boom is curved.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 3-4optionally include wherein the pulling boom includes adjustablesupporting legs.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 optionally includeswherein the adjustable supporting legs are positioned between a firstend and a second end of the pulling boom.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 3-6optionally include a third pulley coupled to the second end of thepulling boom.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 3-7optionally include a plurality of pulleys coupled to the pulling boombetween the first end and the second end.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8optionally include degree range of rotational motion.

Example 10 is a cable pulling system, comprising: a cable positioningsystem including: a winch mount having a first end and a second end; afirst pulley coupled to the winch mount, the first pulley rotatableabout a first lateral axis; a boom mount having a first end and a secondend; a second pulley coupled to the boom mount, the second pulleyrotatable about a second lateral axis; a first hinge pivotably couplingthe first end of the winch mount to the first end of the boom mount; asecond hinge pivotably coupling the second end of the of the winch mountto the second end of the boom mount; wherein the first and second hingesform a lateral positioning joint, the lateral positioning jointrotatable about a first vertical axis; wherein the first and secondpulleys are positioned between the first hinge and the second hinge; anda pulling boom having a first end to couple the cable positioningassembly to the pulling boom and a second end to deploy over a conduit;wherein the pulling boom is coupled to the boom mount with a verticaljoint, the vertical joint rotatable about a third lateral axis.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includeswherein the winch mount further includes a fitting configured to engagewith a winch and couple the cable pulling system to the winch.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-11optionally include wherein the pulling boom is curved.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-12optionally include wherein the pulling boom includes adjustablesupporting legs.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-13optionally include degree range of rotational motion.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-14optionally include degrees.

Example 16 is a method for pulling electrical cable into a conduit box,the method comprising: positioning a pulling boom within a conduit box,the pulling boom having a first end and a second end, wherein the firstend is coupled to a winch and the second end is positioned over aconduit within the conduit box; running the pulling cable from the winchto a proximal end of the conduit; running the pulling cable through theconduit to a distal end of the conduit; coupling an electrical cable tothe pulling cable at the distal end of the conduit; operating the winchto bring the pulling cable and the attached electrical cable through theconduit into the conduit box.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includeswherein positioning the pulling boom further includes positioning alateral positioning joint, the lateral positioning joint coupling thewinch to the pulling boom.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-17optionally include wherein positioning the pulling boom further includespositioning a vertical joint, the vertical joint coupling the lateralpositioning joint to the pulling boom.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-18optionally include wherein positioning the pulling boom further includespositioning adjustable supporting legs coupled to the pulling boom tosupport the pulling boom over the proximal end of the conduit.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document andany documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable positioning assembly, comprising: a winchmount having a first end and a second end; a first pulley coupled to thewinch mount, the first pulley rotatable about a first lateral axis; aboom mount having a first end and a second end; a second pulley coupledto the boom mount, the second pulley rotatable about a second lateralaxis; a first hinge pivotably coupling the first end of the winch mountto the first end of the boom mount; a second hinge pivotably couplingthe second end of the of the winch mount to the second end of the boommount; wherein the first and second hinges form a lateral positioningjoint, the lateral positioning joint rotatable about a first verticalaxis; and wherein the first and second pulleys are positioned betweenthe first hinge and the second hinge.
 2. The cable positioning assemblyof claim 1, wherein the winch mount further includes a fittingconfigured to engage with a winch and couple the cable positioningassembly to the winch.
 3. The cable positioning assembly of claim 1,further comprising a vertical joint coupling the boom mount to a pullingboom, the pulling boom having a first end and a second end, wherein thevertical joint is rotatable about a third lateral axis.
 4. The cablepositioning assembly of claim 3, wherein the pulling boom is curved. 5.The cable positioning assembly of claim 3, wherein the pulling boomincludes adjustable supporting legs.
 6. The cable positioning assemblyof claim 5, wherein the adjustable supporting legs are positionedbetween a first end and a second end of the pulling boom.
 7. The cablepositioning assembly of claim 3, wherein the pulling boom includes afirst latch and a second latch pivotably coupled to the pulling boom,the first latch and the second latch operable to rotate around a lateralaxis to couple the boom mount to the pulling boom.
 8. The cablepositioning assembly of claim 7, wherein the first latch isspring-closed, and the second latch includes a latch retaining featureoperable to engage with a latch retainer to prevent the second latchfrom rotating to close.
 9. The cable positioning assembly of claim 1,wherein the lateral positioning joint has a 180 degree range ofrotational motion.
 10. A cable pulling system, comprising: a cablepositioning assembly including: a winch mount having a first end and asecond end; a first pulley coupled to the winch mount, the first pulleyrotatable about a first lateral axis; a boom mount having a first endand a second end; a second pulley coupled to the boom mount, the secondpulley rotatable about a second lateral axis; a first hinge pivotablycoupling the first end of the winch mount to the first end of the boommount; a second hinge pivotably coupling the second end of the of thewinch mount to the second end of the boom mount; wherein the first andsecond hinges form a lateral positioning joint, the lateral positioningjoint rotatable about a first vertical axis; wherein the first andsecond pulleys are positioned between the first hinge and the secondhinge; and a pulling boom having a first end to couple the cablepositioning assembly to the pulling boom and a second end to deploy overa conduit; wherein the pulling boom is coupled to the boom mount with avertical joint, the vertical joint rotatable about a third lateral axis.11. The cable pulling system of claim 10, wherein the winch mountfurther includes a fitting configured to engage with a winch and couplethe cable pulling system to the winch.
 12. The cable pulling system ofclaim 10, wherein the pulling boom is curved.
 13. The cable positioningassembly of claim 10, wherein the pulling boom includes a first latchand a second latch pivotably coupled to the pulling boom, the firstlatch and the second latch operable to rotate around a lateral axis tocouple the boom mount to the pulling boom.
 14. The cable positioningassembly of claim 13, wherein the first latch is spring-closed, and thesecond latch includes a latch retaining feature operable to engage witha latch retainer to prevent the second latch from rotating to close. 15.The cable pulling system of claim 10, wherein the lateral positioningjoint has a 180 degree range of rotational motion.
 16. The cable pullingsystem of claim 10, wherein the vertical joint has a range of rotationalmotion between 90 and 160 degrees.
 17. A method for pulling electricalcable into a conduit box, the method comprising: positioning a pullingboom within a conduit box, the pulling boom having a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end is coupled to a winch and the secondend is positioned over a conduit within the conduit box; running thepulling cable from the winch to a proximal end of the conduit; runningthe pulling cable through the conduit to a distal end of the conduit;coupling an electrical cable to the pulling cable at the distal end ofthe conduit; operating the winch to bring the pulling cable and theattached electrical cable through the conduit into the conduit box. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein positioning the pulling boom furtherincludes positioning a lateral positioning joint, the lateralpositioning joint coupling the winch to the pulling boom.
 19. The methodof claim 17, wherein positioning the pulling boom further includespositioning a vertical joint, the vertical joint coupling the lateralpositioning joint to the pulling boom.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein positioning the pulling boom further includes positioningadjustable supporting legs coupled to the pulling boom to support thepulling boom over the proximal end of the conduit.